Food of the Month: Beets for Caregivers – Nourishing from the Inside Out

Can you incorporate this food into your diet this month?

At Listening Lane, we understand that caregiving is heart work—beautiful, meaningful, and often exhausting. Whether you're showing up for others professionally or personally, caregiving demands a lot from your mind, body, and spirit. That’s why this October, we’re spotlighting a humble yet powerful ally: beets—our Food of the Month for caregivers.

Why Beets?

Beets are more than just a colorful side dish. They’re a nutritional powerhouse packed with natural compounds that support energy, mental clarity, and emotional resilience—three things caregivers need in abundance.

Here’s how beets can help replenish what caregiving often depletes:

Supports Heart & Circulation

Beets are rich in nitrates, which help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure—both essential for cardiovascular health. When you're constantly tending to others, it's important to support your own heart, too—physically and emotionally.

Natural Energy Boost

The nitrates in beets also enhance oxygen delivery throughout the body, giving a natural stamina boost without the crash that comes from caffeine or sugar. Whether your days are long or emotionally intense, beets can help keep your energy steady.

Brain & Mood Support

Beets are high in folate (vitamin B9), which supports brain function and helps regulate mood. Folate plays a key role in the production of dopamine and serotonin—two neurotransmitters linked to emotional well-being.

Gentle Detox & Liver Love

Your liver processes not only physical toxins, but also emotional stress. Beets contain betaines, which support the liver in flushing out what no longer serves you—an act of self-care on the cellular level.

Caregiving Requires Nourishment, Too

When you spend your days pouring into others, it’s easy to forget to refill your own cup. Beets are a beautiful reminder that nourishment can be simple, earthy, and deeply supportive.

Here are a few easy ways to bring more beets into your caregiving routine:

• Roasted beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts

• Beet and berry smoothie with a hint of ginger

• Beet hummus for a vibrant, protein-packed snack

• Steamed beets drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Pro tip: Try golden or candy cane beets for a milder flavor if red beets feel too bold.

A Gentle Reminder

Beets, with their deep red hue, echo the rhythms of the heart. They root us in the body, reminding us that to show up for others fully, we must also care for ourselves—nutritionally, emotionally, and spiritually.

So this month, let beets be a quiet act of self-love. Because caregivers need care too—and sometimes, it starts with what’s on your plate.

PLEASE NOTE:

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any medical conditions, are taking medications, or have dietary restrictions.